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The Official Blog of GeocachingTue, 18 Dec 2018 17:46:49 +0000en-UShourly1https://wordpress.org/?v=4.9.7102167961Turn that frown upside downhttps://www.geocaching.com/blog/2018/12/turn-that-frown-upside-down/
https://www.geocaching.com/blog/2018/12/turn-that-frown-upside-down/#respondTue, 18 Dec 2018 17:43:59 +0000https://www.geocaching.com/blog/?p=62177Have you ever selected a perfect geocache to find, navigated to it, searched high and low with no luck in finding it? The questions start to boil over; is it even here, why is the hint so vague, can’t anyone post a picture which offers a clue? We know this feeling all too well. The classic DNF (Did Not Find).

A DNF is a log type used when you, surprise, don’t find the geocache. But what you should also know is that a DNF log can transform into a “Found it!” Using this log type doesn’t mean you’ve given up, it means that you didn’t find the geocache—this time. Your DNF logs will be shown on your map so you can remember to return at a later date.

More importantly, logging a DNF can help your fellow geocachers. When you log a DNF, you’re telling geocachers that the cache may be more difficult to find than anticipated or may even be missing. You’re also letting the geocache owner know that they may need to double check that their geocache container can still be found at the posted coordinates.

If you’re a geocacher who’s posted one of the millions of DNF logs so far, thank you from the geocaching community. It’s a small way to help support and maintain the geocaching ecosystem while ensuring the quality of geocaching. Plus, you can always go back and search again because your DNF shows up in the app and on the map! Who knows, maybe this time you’ll turn that frown upside down.

Share the geocache that you’ve DNF’d the most in comments below.

]]>https://www.geocaching.com/blog/2018/12/turn-that-frown-upside-down/feed/062177Geocaching country souvenir: the United States of Americahttps://www.geocaching.com/blog/2018/12/geocaching-country-souvenir-the-united-states-of-america/
https://www.geocaching.com/blog/2018/12/geocaching-country-souvenir-the-united-states-of-america/#respondFri, 14 Dec 2018 17:00:52 +0000https://www.geocaching.com/blog/?p=61313USA Geocaching country souvenir

The United States of America — the birthplace of geocaching.

At 3.8 million square miles (9.8 million km2) of diverse geography, the United States has the most ecoregions out of any country in the world, making it an amazing playground for geocaching.

From the Atlantic seaboard, across the prairies of the Great Plains, to the Cascade mountain range in the Pacific Northwest, there are lots of unique geocaching adventures to discover.

While it is true that the United States is home to some of the oldest active geocaches that are still around, such as the oldest Traditional, Multi-Cache, as well as the oldest still existing cache with a three-digit GC code, there are plenty of other amazing caching adventures waiting for you from sea to shining sea.

Bridges & Arches of Central Park

This geocache is an epic, 32-stage Multi-Cache that takes you on a journey through Central Park in New York City. Each stage focuses on the bridges and arches of the park which are beautifully crafted yet often overlooked. Central Park covers over 800 acres (3.237485km²) of greenery and recreation areas in the middle of Manhattan, so prepare for a long (but pleasant) walk.

The Doctor Is In!

For this adventure, the TARDIS has touched down just north of Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Its ordinary Yale lock has transformed into a memory puzzle consisting of four lights which blink in increasingly difficult patterns. Cachers who travel with the Doctor must repeat the patterns perfectly. Only then are they rewarded with flashing lights, the signature TARDIS parking brake groan, and doors that open to reveal the famed “bigger on the inside” interior.

Mission 9: Tunnel of Light

In 2001, fourteen geocaches were placed in conjunction with 20th Century Fox to support the movie Planet of the Apes. Mission 9: Tunnel of Light was one of those caches. Located about 60 miles (97km) east of Seattle, the container was placed by Geocaching HQ co-founder Jeremy Irish and the father of the geocoin, Moun10Bike. The cache was found more than 3,000 times, surviving minor disturbances for nearly 10 years. Sadly, after being muggled and going missing, Mission 9 was archived in June 2011.

After it was found by dedicated local cachers in October 2016, Mission 9 was reactivated at the 8th annual Going Ape 2017 Mega-Event on August 19th. It is now one of just two active APE caches, along with Brazil’s Mission 4: Southern Bowl.

Morocco is known for its sweeping desert landscapes, towering mountains, and ancient cities. Within the same country, you could be shivering cold while someone else is putting sunscreen on to protect them from the sun’s rays. Many Hollywood movies have taken place here and Morocco hosts nine UNESCO World Heritage sites. Now, it has another accolade: an official Geocaching country souvenir.

Here are a few facts about this beautiful country:

Marrakech, Morocco, also referred to as the “Red City,” requires sun protection all year-round due to the intense sun.

The city of Casablanca was made famous by the Hollywood film of the same name starring Humphrey Bogart and Ingrid Bergman. It is regarded as one of the best films of all time and won the Academy Award for Best Motion Picture in 1942.

Morocco has its highs and lows in terms of elevation. Jebel Toubkal is the highest point in the country at a prominent 4,165 m (13,665 ft) and at its lowest point is Sebkha Tah dipping below sea level by 55 m (180 ft). This country also hosts Africa’s highest ski resort.

There’s a lot of ground to cover in Morocco, here are three geocaches recommended for you:

Ouzoud Waterfalls

The Ouzoud Waterfalls are located in the epitome of an oasis, surrounded by trees and vibrant desert life. This is a multi-tiered waterfall system and the EarthCache on-site educates you on how it formed.

By the clock

The 20 m (66 ft) tall clock tower in downtown Casablanca is one of the most recognizable architectural landmarks in the famous city. If you’re touring the area, be sure to snag this nano before you leave and snap a photo to remember the square.

Olive tree

The Menara Gardens has an iconic reflecting pool with views of the Atlas Mountains in the background. To solve this Mystery Cache, you’ll need to branch out. Within the garden there are several olive trees and if you’re lucky you just might find the right one, but we’d recommend trying to solve the coordinates.

Campuhan Ridge

This is one of the most popular and Instagram-worthy walks in Bali. The cache is about 1.5 km (0.6 mi) north along the ridge that runs between two rivers with superb scenery in every direction. There is little shade along the way so be sure to bring sun protection, a wide-brimmed hat, and water with you. Also, plan to grab this one in the early morning or late afternoon because of the extreme heat and humidity.

Crystal Bay

A stunning white sand beach, perfectly clear waters, and excellent snorkeling. This is truly an idyllic spot and you are likely to have it all to yourself apart from a few local villagers and an occasional dive boat anchored offshore.

Gunung Bromo

Gunung Bromo (Mount Bromo) is an active volcano and part of the Tengger Caldera in East Java. At 2,300 meters (7,600 feet) it is an exhausting hike to the top of the most well-known peaks in Indonesia.

]]>https://www.geocaching.com/blog/2018/12/geocaching-country-souvenir-indonesia/feed/060507Geocaching country focus: Czechiahttps://www.geocaching.com/blog/2018/12/geocaching-country-focus-czechia/
https://www.geocaching.com/blog/2018/12/geocaching-country-focus-czechia/#respondTue, 11 Dec 2018 17:33:08 +0000https://www.geocaching.com/blog/?p=61177All over the world, geocaching is leading people to places they’ve never adventured to before. To celebrate how geocaching is played differently all around the world, we’ll pick a country from time to time and share some interesting geocaching facts. Today, we focus on a location with geocaching history: Czechia.

There are almost 60,000 active geocaches hidden in Czechia.

The first cache, Tex-Czech (GCE50), was hidden in June 2001 and has been found more than 5,000 times. It is still active today.

The most logged geocache in the entire world is Prague bridges 1 – Karluv most in Prague! The cache has gained nearly 35,000 logs since it was published on January 1, 2008. Located on the northwest side of the famous Charles Bridge, the location is full of historical statues and is absolutely stunning.

The first wooden geocoins were created by two Czech geocachers Poník and JPAgeo in 2005 as signature items to leave in geocaches for the next geocacher to find. Since then, they have grown in popularity all over Europe! Presently, there are about 38,000 different designs of wooden coins in the world.

The Czechia geocache that has earned the most Favorite points to date is Postovni schranka (GC5GTCM). Located near the main train station in Prague, this cache is perfect for leaving and exchanging wooden geocoins.

A special icon and experience: The GPS Maze Europe was created by the Czech Geocaching Association (ČAGeo) in 2012. Ever since, the traveling educational exhibit has visited many events in Europe teaching geocachers old and new about geocaching and GPS technology.

Students at the Czech Technical University in Prague can earn credits for geocaching. A geocaching class is part of an optional curriculum at their Institute of Physical Education and Sport.

With so much geocaching history in Czechia it is no surprise that there are many fantastic geocaches to find. Here is a small selection of some favorites:

This geocache at the Vyskov Air museum (GC13WC0) truly deserves the description large, as it doesn’t only fit SWAG but can hold a full grown geocacher (or two)! If you take one, make sure to replace with a geocacher of equal or higher value (just kidding).

Kostnice / Ossuary (GCP0JT) is a Mystery cache that leads you to a medieval chapel in Sedlec that is entirely decorated in bones.

One of the most favorited geocaches in Czechia requires some serious geo-gear as you will be going deep underground and wade through wet and dark tunnels to claim the Letterbox Hybrid Underground (GC28G7E).

The sophisticated TB Hotel VITAJ (GC6TVHP) comes with working light fixtures, a rotating fan and model TV. Trackables can take a rest from their exhausting travels in one of the cozy rooms.

Cyprus is the third largest and most populous island country in the Mediterranean. At 9,251 km² (3,572 mi²) and over 1.1 million inhabitants, the country is full of a vibrant culture with a rich past spanning over 10,000 years. One moment you might be exploring the glorious rocky coastline, the next you may find yourself surrounded by an archaeological site filled with historical intrigue. Here are three facts to pique your interest:

Famed for its spectacular beaches, the crystal clear Cypriot waters are designated among the cleanest in the world thanks to the work of the Cyprus Marine Environment Protection Association. The temperature of the open sea ranges from 16° (60° F) during the coolest months and climbs to 27° C (80° F) in August.

Cyprus is one of only four European countries that drive on the left side of the road. The other three are the United Kingdom, Ireland, and Malta.

Ghost Ship

In 2011 the Edro III, a 2,127 metric ton (2,517 US ton) freighter, ran aground in stormy weather in the Sea Caves area of Paphos on the western shores. The ship drifted until it finally ran aground approximately 15 m (49 ft) from the shore with the bow firmly wedged onto a rocky stretch of the beach. It is unknown how, or if, the boat will be removed but, in the meantime, it serves as a unique attraction for tourists, weddings, and geocachers!

Napa View

Ayia Napa lies near Cape Gkreko National Park at the eastern part of Cyprus. The resort town has 27 beaches, 14 of which have received the Blue Flag award for high environmental, educational, safety and accessibility ratings, more than any other resort in Cyprus. The vantage point near the church of Saint Epiphanios offers sweeping views across the ever-growing town.

Büyük Han

Büyük Han (“Great Inn”) is the largest caravanseri in Cyprus. Built in 1572, come nightfall, weary travellers would head towards the nearest han, or inn. It is located in the capital city of Nicosia, the farthest southeast of all European Union member states’ capitals, and has been continuously inhabited for over 4,500 years. Today, the han is ground zero for a Traditional Cache as well as a thriving arts center, with both upper guest rooms and lower stables occupied by small artists shops.

Stretched along the western edge of South America lies Chile, a country spanning over 4,620 km (2647 mi) from north to south and taking the claim of the longest country in the world. Here are some other spicy facts about Chile:

Chile is the location of the driest place on Earth. Some parts of the Atacama desert have never received a single drop of rain, and the desert is quite possibly the oldest on Earth—it’s been around for about three million years!

Chile is one of the only countries whose government funds UFO research. It’s also one of the best places in the southern hemisphere for astronomers since northern Chile can have over 300 cloudless nights a year.

Chile also has amazing biodiversity. Native animals range from penguins to flamingos, and from pumas to chinchillas. It’s also home to the world’s smallest deer, the pudú, which weighs in at a tiny 6.4 to 13.4 kg (14 to 30 lbs).

Rapa Nui – Ahu Tongariki

Did you know that Easter Island is actually a Chilean territory? This EarthCache is located just two km (1.2 mi) from the quarry where these magnificent moai statues were carved. At this location, you can take in the immense ceremonial altar and learn about the volcanic rocks from which it was carved. Plan to grab this one in the early morning—at the right time of year, the sun rises up from behind the statues and creates breathtaking shadows.

SuperCerca El Cerro San Cristobal Gran Parque

It’s not surprising that there are some amazing geocaches in Santiago, the capital city of Chile. This Traditional Cache is located in a picturesque park high above the bustling metropolis. If you find the cache on a clear day you’ll be treated to expansive views of the city. After you grab the cache, you can also grab a mote con huesillo, a local drink made with dried peaches, water, and cinnamon.

Lago Chungara

This Traditional Cache certainly earns its T4 rating. It’s located at a staggering 4,500 m (14,763 ft) above sea level, high in Lauca National Park. Views from this cache include one of the highest elevated lakes in the world, Chungara Lake, and the snowy Parinacota Volcano. You might even come across the vicuña, a Chilean relative of the llama!

As of today, you can earn five new Geocaching country souvenirs! Souvenirs are virtual pieces of art discovered and displayed on your Geocaching public profile.

All this week on the Geocaching blog, Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram pages, we’ll highlight each country and offer caching suggestions. Without further ado, here are the newest Geocaching country souvenirs:

Chile

Cyprus

Indonesia

Morocco

United States of America

If you’ve already found a geocache in any of these countries, you’ll automatically receive the souvenir on your profile.

On the west coast of Italy, stretched along the glistening Ligurian Sea lie the Cinque Terre, or Five Lands. Dating back to the 11th century, these picturesque towns have, by virtue of their isolated locations, remained protected from the outside world. To this day they remain accessible only by train, boat, or a rugged winding path that weaves up though the mountains and dips down to meet the clear blue water between the villages.

Though cars are vietate (forbidden) in these colorful towns, geocaches are welcome. Among the twelve caches scattered along the winding trail connecting each town to the next is Cinque Terre – Monterosso-Vernazza, our Geocache of the Week.

Image by team knautsch

Placed in 2006, this cache is one of the oldest in Liguria, the Italian Riviera. Since the trail through the villages is a Parco Nazionale (National Park), there is a small fee to hike the trails during the busy summer months; however, cache owner CaniSciolti keeps the container in tip top condition for cachers to find year round.

Ground Zero! Image by Mappiman

Although relatively straightforward, for this Traditional Cache it’s really the journey that counts. Each village has its own separate culture, traditions, and even dialect. So, while you could take the train to either Vernazza or Monterosso, the best way to earn this smiley is to brave the trail and embark on the scenic six hour hike to the cache.

Though Venice boasts some famous bridges, we think the ones in Liguria are pretty great too. Images by geojammers and SlightlySarah

Your strumenti del mestiere (tools of the trade) might need to expand for this unique cache. You’ll want to make sure you also pack a swimsuit for the crystalline waters in Vernazza. You’ll definitely need to save your appetite for the famous honey gelato in Corniglia or pizza in Monterosso. Finally, you’ll have to lace up your hiking boots to get you up the ancient stairs and down the winding trails. And of course, the most important of all —don’t forget to bring a pen to sign the logbook!

Continue to explore some of the most amazing geocaches around the world. Check out all of the Geocaches of the Week on the Geocaching blog. If you would like to nominate a Geocache of the Week, fill out this form.